SACXSSACXS FACTSFACTS NEWSLETTER FOR THE SAN ANTONIO

AND XEROPHYTE SOCIETY

October 2013 VOLUME 25, NUMBER 10

“THE SAN ANTONIO CACTUS AND XEROPHYTE SOCIETY WAS ORGANIZED IN 1977 TO PROMOTE THE STUDY, PROPAGATION, CONSERVATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS OF CACTI AND OTHER SUCCULENT .”

Our Annual PICNIC OCTOBER 12 LET US KNOW IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND.

Our Annual Picnic is coming up on Saturday, October 12 from 11:00 am to 5:00pm. Details on page 8

Send an email to Alice Knight at [email protected] or Call Linda and Larry Draper at 210-828-7224 to RSVP (leave a message if no answer) We need to hear from you no later than October 7 if you plan to attend so we can purchase the appropriate amount of meat.

SACXS Board Members Table of Contents

President: Marty Ruona [email protected] Page 1 Picnic Reminder First Vice-President: Marty Ruona [email protected] Page 2 This Month’s Program/ Second Vice-President: Manny Zamora [email protected] Third Vice-President: Claude Townsend [email protected] Assignments Recording Secretary: Tess Weaver [email protected] Page 3 Photomontage Hypertufa Publicity Secretary: Eula Townsend [email protected] Page 4 of the Month Treasurer: Doug Coates [email protected] Page 5 Dues Reminder SAGC Liaison: Sidney Yarbrough [email protected] Page 6 E. Austin Succulents Trip Directors: Linda Draper [email protected] Alice Knight [email protected] Page 7 September Meeting Barbara Schulze [email protected] Page 8 Picnic Details Librarian: Paul Kibler [email protected] Page 9 4M Ranch Trip Reminder SACXS FACTS Editor: Linda Draper [email protected] Page 10 Show News

Visit our website: www.sacxs.org Page 11 Program Line Up Oct-Nov Page 12 4M Ranch Photomontage

SACXS FACTS Vol. 25, #10 Page 1 SACXS October 2013 Program The Program on 16 October 2013 will be: “Hands-on Making Hypertufa Pots” Bring 1 or 2 small/medium sized plastic containers (like Cool Whip carton etc.) and something for an inside mold (about 1/2-1 inch smaller than the outside) and some way to carry home your new pots. We’ll be making Hyper- tufa pots with materials furnished by the club. You’ll go home with a “recipe” for Hyper- tufa and the know-how to make more pots and even some large containers for your plants.

This program will be held at Larry and Linda Draper’s home 2727 Chisolm Trl San Antonio TX 78217 Social time: 6:30 Program: 7:15

The General Public is Welcome! Refreshment Assignments: David Dawson [email protected] Al Del Rio [email protected] Larry and Linda Draper [email protected] Richard and Elinor Drileck [email protected] Paul Easley [email protected] Auction Plant Assignments: Elizabeth and Damian Kemper [email protected] Harvey Kendall [email protected] Paul and Elisa Kibler [email protected] Robert Klebe [email protected] Jack and Alice Knight [email protected] *IMPORTANT: All assignees will be contacted by e-mail or phone

SACXS FACTS Vol. 25, #10 Page 2 HYPERTUFA MAKING PRACTICE SESSION

SACXS FACTS Vol. 25, #10 Page 3 Plant of the Month— flavopurpurea

By Linda Draper

I chose this plant to feature because mine has been blooming since mid-August and the flower is lovely….no bad smell. I searched the web for information and what you will read is a compilation of that research and some information from Mike Keeling of Snake Farm Cactus.

I talked to Mike at our Show and Sale in April about the trouble I was having with my stapeliad plants. He had me bring him a pot so he could see my plants and potting medium. He said my soil mixture was much too heavy (I had a lot of sand in it) and that I needed much, much better drainage. I’ve been implementing his advice and it has helped.

Here is what I learned.

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae Order: Family: Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae Genus: Stapelia : S. flavopurpurea Binomial name: Stapelia flavopurpurea

Etymology: The genus "Stapelia" was named in honor of Johannes van Stapel, who published drawings and descriptions of the first Stapeliae discovered ( variegata). The species name "flavopurpurea" derives from the Latin words “flavus” meaning "yellow ” and “purpureus ” meaning "purple” . So its specific name implies: “Yellow and purple colored”.

Identifying characteristics: Stapelia flavopurpurea is a small succulent species native to South Africa and Namibia, usually found growing beneath bushes and in stony areas. It is associated with caliche (calcrete). Habit: Crawling and decumbent ((of a plant or part of a plant) lying along the ground or along a surface, with the extremity curving upward). Stem: Long, green that acquire a purple color when exposed to full sun. Flower: Tiny little star shaped, have very great color: yellow, green, orange, or purple, white, with maroon overtones and centers. Flowers are borne (sometimes in clusters) near the tips of the stems. The combination of colors is quite bizarre and lovely, very variable, even on the same plant. They have a light, sweet smell like licorice or beeswax, unusual in the Stapelia group. Flowers with these scents may well be pollinated by bees. The star-like flowers of this striking species are deeply lobed and the margins are folded backwards, with a central disc covered in short, clavate, purple to white hairs.

Continued on Page 5

SACXS FACTS Vol. 25, #10 Page 4 IT’S TIME TO PAY YOUR DUES

Our Membership VP, Grace Fry wants to remind everyone that your dues are payable in September. She will be available to take your dues at our October meeting. Grace will also ask you to verify your contact information so we’re sure we can send you updates and of course, your SACXS Facts. Dues are $20 for individuals and $30 for families. If you can’t make it to the meet- ing, you can mail your dues to: Grace Fry 15403 Bluffview St San Antonio, TX 78232

Plant of the Month - continued

Blossoming generally occurs in summer or autumn, according to the temperatures.

Cultivation: It needs regular watering, especially abundant during the hottest summer days, watering should begin at the first signs of vegetation and could be stopped in autumn. Both excessive and very scarce watering can induce rot. I read that it can survive temperatures near freezing but keeping it above 50 degrees is best. S. flavopurpurea seems to thrive in bright indirect light especially when temperatures are very hot. Mine has been growing all summer under an overhang on the house that gets only 1-2 hours of direct sun each day. Keep the plant in a ventilated and dry environment. The potting mix must be very well- drained but nutrient. Mike Keeling of Snake Farm Cactus recommends adding rock between 1/8-1/4 “ to the potting mix to assure good drainage. Black spots and other rots can de- stroy the plants very quickly. If rot starts, the plant almost always dies. Propagation: The multiplication is easy. Take away a fresh stem, let the cut surface dry, and then put it simply posed on the substrate in semi-shade. I have also dusted the dried cut ends with rooting hormone and put them into the potting mix much like other succu- lents. I withhold water until I see signs of growth.

If you would like to feature a favorite plant of yours for Plant of the Month, please send me a picture and short article at [email protected].

SACXS FACTS Vol. 25, #10 Page 5 SACXS MEMBERS VISIT EAST AUSTIN SUCCULENTS By Grace Fry

A great time was had by all who attended the SACXS Club field trip on Saturday, September 21, 2013 to East Austin Succulents, located at 801 Tillery St, Austin, Texas. Club members attending were, Marty Ruona, Randy and Barbara Schulze, Ernie Akers, Bob Guernsey, Bill and Grace Fry, and Bob Barth. Eric Pedley, owner of the nursery, gave club members a 25% discount on everything we bought. We were also invited to go and check out his propagation nursery, located off-site, that is not open to the public. There is a huge selection of quality cactus and succulents to choose from and is definitely worth the drive to Austin to visit this fine nursery. You can check them out on the web at www.eastaustinsucculents.com

Photos by Bill Fry

SACXS FACTS Vol. 25, #10 Page 6 Hands-on Propagation Clinic Sept 18 at Paul’s Desert

Our September meeting at Paul’s Desert was well- attended. Many brought cuttings and offsets to prop- agate. Paul Kibler and Barbara Schulze took the lead in making sure everything was potted properly . Participants took their new “plant babies” home to nurture until time to donate them as raffle plants for the annual Show and Sale in April. The ones that came to my house seem to be thriving. Thanks to all who brought cuttings and took “babies “ home. Thanks too for the auction plants and yummy refresh- ments and to the Kiblers for hosting us.

TACSS Fall Seminar It’s late for this, but you may be able to go for part of the program. I sent out links to the registration information as a special bulletin on Sept 12. This link will take you to the regis- tration and program information.

http://home.windstream.net/wildfong/KCCSSfiles/TACSSflyer.pdf

October 4-6, 2013 Carleen Bright Arboretum Woodway, TX Hosted by the Central Texas Cactus & Succulent Society

SACXS FACTS Vol. 25, #10 Page 7 Date: Saturday Time: 11:00am – 5:00pm October 12, 2013 Food will be served at 12:30pm SACXS Annual Picnic

Where: Larry and Linda The Club will furnish the following: Draper’s home Meat (Marty is grilling), paper goods, water and iced tea. 2727 Chisolm Trl Please bring a side dish and an San Antonio, TX 78217 “Auction” plant. RSVP by Oct 7 to Food Assignments: Alice Knight at [email protected] Members from A thru E: “Heavy” sides like beans, potato or pasta salads F thru L: Vegetables & other salads M thru Z: Desserts What Else to Bring?? Folding chairs, sunscreen, bug spray, and soft drinks

SACXS FACTS Vol. 25, #10 Page 8 FIELD TRIP TO 4M RANCH SONORA TEXAS OCT 18-19-20th By Claude Townsend There are just a few spaces left. Call Claude right away if you want to go. Ranch size 12500 Acres. App. 15 miles south of So- nora Texas. Most of the Ranch is accessible by car. What to do: Explore, take photos, collect cactus, rocks, driftwood, Indian artifacts, and for star watch- ers there is a chance the comet ISOM may be seen through binoculars. Let’s hope. Saturday after lunch the shooting range will be open. So bring your pistol. Of course there is no discharging of fire arms on the ranch except on the range. PLEASE DO NOT CROSS LARGE BOUNDARY FENCES. Quarters: 11 rooms for 2 people, 3 rooms for 4 people (bunk style) Itinerary Check in time, Friday 18 Oct. 1:00pm or later. All meal times will be posted. Friday night BBQ Chicken dinner. Saturday: Breakfast Cowboy style (coffee, eggs, bacon, etc.). Lunch: Sandwich-make your own buffet. Supper: BBQ steak cooked over Mesquite wood Sunday: Breakfast Cowboy style COST: $120.00 per person. Includes 2 nights in the bunkhouse, 5 meals, and 3 days of explor- ing and collecting. Linens, towels provided. Just bring your own personal items and collecting equipment. PAYMENT: $60 per person deposit check made out to 4M Ranch. Send deposit to: Claude H. Townsend 5102 Village Green San Antonio TX 78218. Include your phone number and email address. The remaining $60 per person will be paid at the Club House at the Ranch on arrival. You will be required to sign release forms and get maps and plant release forms. The plant release forms are for you to show that you have authorization to remove items from the Ranch in the event you are stopped by law enforcement. Cancellation and Return of deposit can be made up until 11 October 2013. After this time there will be NO refund. The deposit will be turned over to the Ranch owner to purchase food in San Antonio. A map to the Ranch from Sonora will be emailed to you. ONE DAY HUNT without food Saturday 19 October. $20 to be paid at the Club House upon arrival. You must follow the same rules as all others. ATVs are welcome. DOGS only on leash and cannot be in bunkhouse. RVs contact 4M Ranch office 210-822-2915. For more information contact Claude H. Townsend [email protected] 210-655-8959

SACXS FACTS Vol. 25, #10 Page 9 2014 SACXS Show News By Barbara Schulze

The SACXS annual Show & Sale is just six months away. Sounds like a long time but there are sooooooo many things to take care of . . . it’s time to get the ball rolling. Our Show committee is almost filled by club members with great ideas to make this Show & Sale the first of many bigger and better events for our society. Grace Fry joins the committee as Club Table Chair. She has already e-mailed me some GREAT ideas. Linda Draper will be our Displays Chair overseeing the educational displays. We have some new ideas to give to members that will have everyone clamoring to participate. Start thinking about some special plants that you would like to display at our Show. It doesn’t have to be a large group. Even one cool cactus or succulent will be welcome. I am still searching for an Auction/Raffle Chair. Paul Kibler who has held this po- sition for many years is stepping down. He will mentor our incoming chair so you will be able to pull off the auction (our main fundraiser) without any trouble. Please contact me if you can take on this position and help make our Show & Sale successful. At this time I encourage all members to help our society prepare for the Show & Sale by:

 Donating to the auction plant fund (donation jar will be at each meeting)

 Taking care of all those little raffle plants that we planted at the September meeting.

 Passing along possible vendor names that could be invited to sell plants at our Show & Sale

 Donating a plant or plant-related item for our silent auction (new in 2014) plant-related item

 Volunteering for one of the many committees necessary to make the Show & Sale successful I guess what I am trying to say is “Please get involved! It’s your club!” Barbara Schulze, 2014 SACXS Show Chairman

SACXS FACTS Vol. 25, #10 Page 10 Program Line-up October - November 2013 10-12-13 Annual Picnic Linda & Larry Draper are hosting our cactus club at their home. They have a beautiful landscape, and two greenhouses in the back with their cactus & succulent collection. See Page 8 for details. location: Linda & Larry Draper's 2727 Chisolm Trail, SA TX 78217 11:00-5:00 10-13-13 Field Trip Paul's Desert Annual Plant Sale The sales kicks off with Lisa's famous spaghetti from noon til it’s gone! 20% discount on select plants. Paul is even selling some of his prized specimens & personal collection. location: Paul & Lisa Kibler's 200 Schertz Pkwy Schertz TX 78154 12:00 to 7:00pm 10-16-13 General Meeting Hypertufa pots at Linda & Larry's 6:30 to 9:00pm Wonderful well drained natural looking pottery that we will make ourselves. See Page 2 for details 10-18th thru 20th Field Trip 4M Ranch in Sonora TX This is a 3 day hunt on a 12,500 acre ranch, which we have access to hunt cacti, plants, rocks, fossils, Indian artifacts & drift wood. Other cactus clubs and "rock hounds" are also invited. See Page 9 for details 11-06-13 Garden Center Garden Center monthly program, with SACXS as host. Sidney Yarbrough will need some volunteers to help. 11-20-13 General Meeting “Hectias, Dykias & Puyas Explained,” 6:30– 9:30 at the Garden Center Our own Manny Zamora will present expert tips on the care required to grow these unique succulent plants. If you have not yet started to grow these, come learn what you have been missing!

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